Close hauled to Galapagoslon:-90.31;lat:-0.76;postdate:jun 12 7;pos:Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands

ChristineWe thought it would take us ten days to sail the 900 nm from Las Perlas to Galapagos, it took us eleven.
The leg is supposed to be hard on sailors because of the doldrum belt and the inter tropical convergence zone which both are working against you. We were prepared and had brought 145 l of diesel.

But we were lucky and could sail on the same tack for almost a week. Overall we had a pleasant sail with lots of time to read, fish, taking bucket showers and so on. Only because Birka is such a great ship that can sail herself close hauled.
The closer Galapagos we came the colder it got during the nights due to the Humbold current. Long trousers, sweaters, jackets, blankets and wollen hats has been a must on a night shifts.
On the fourth of June 14.48 pm we crossed the equator. Here it is,

The tradition says that one should shave off the hair on the head when crossing. Since we both are very fond of our blonde pony tails we decided to leave the hair on the head.
For the captain it is teh first time on the southern hemisphere and for the two of us the first leg on a big crossing has been done. We are now really in the south pacific and it feels just right.

13 aug We are sailing in paradise Bora Bora

Point of No Returnlon:-79.965;lat:9.286;postdate:may 12 8;pos:3 nmi west of Chagres River, Panama

HenrikWe are in the Pacific Ocean. The canal transit went smoothly and was overall an enjoyable experience. We spent one night in the Gatun Lake, where we were invited to a party, we saw crocodiles, and made it on time to the locks.

Ahead of us now is thousands of miles of ocean, and it is our only way back home. We will spend a few more days to get organized here in Panama City (and fix the website so we can upload photos) before we set sail. Next stop will probably be Las Perlas, and after that Galapagos, Marquesas, Tuamotu, and so on.

22 maj This update was sent over satellite.

Cinco de Mayolon:-79.965;lat:9.286;postdate:may 12 2;pos:3 nmi west of Chagres River, Panama

HenrikWe are in Portobelo and are enjoying ourselves. The canal authorities say we will go through the canal on May 5th. We need one more line handler so give us a shout if you want to help!

Rio Chagreslon:-75.5;lat:10.4;postdate:apr 12 24;pos:Cartagena, Colombia

HenrikWe have a preliminary date for the canal transit: 8th of May. Today we will sail to Rio Chagres and anchor in the jungle for a few nights.

Jaws 4lon:-75.5;lat:10.4;postdate:apr 12 22;pos:Cartagena, Colombia

HenrikHere is a video of the nurse shark we caught in San Blas. It was too big to eat so we let it go. Click on the red arrow: >